Akureyri Travelers Recommend

Iceland's surreal glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls were exactly what brought Game of Thrones to the Arctic island for filming. Experience the TV show in real life by visiting the following film sites on a Thrones -themed excursion in Iceland.

Ruins of Dimmuborgir as Castle Black

The Ruins of Dimmuborgir, composed of a collection of eerie lava structures, have been used a key filming site for the show's Castle Black, the famed fortress for the Night's Watch. Follow in the footsteps of famous "crows" such as Jon Snow and Benjen Stark as you explore this location on a day trip from Akureyri.

Thingvellir National Park as North of The Wall

Imagine a stare-down with the menacing White Walker army during a stop at Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only an important part of Icelandic history but has also been used as fantasy filming location to depict the icy lands north of The Wall on Game of Thrones.

Lake Mývatn as North of the Wall

This scenic Icelandic lake is home to Grjótagjá Rift, a spooky subterranean space used in a famous scene featuring Jon Snow and Ygritte in season three. The area has also been used heavily to depict the icy world north of The Wall. Visits to this key filming location typically depart from Akureyri.

Thjorsárdalur Valley as the Wildling Battle Site

Iceland's windswept Thjorsárdalur valley was selected by the Game of Thrones producers as the setting for an idyllic farming village attacked by the Wildings in season four. Most tours to the valley's volcanic terrain depart from Reykjavik.

Want to explore all of the Thrones' seven kingdoms? Other spectacular filming locations can be found in Croatia, Northern Ireland, Spain, and Malta.

With two days to spend in the northern outpost of Akureyri, you’ll have enough time to explore the town and its restaurants and galleries, get offshore for some of Iceland’s best whale watching, soak up the dramatic natural scenery of the north, and even sneak in some relaxation. Here’s how to get the most out of 48 hours in Akureyri.

Day 1: Whales and Relaxation

**Morning:**Bundle up this morning for one of Akureyri’s most popular activities: whale watching. Aboard a high-speed boat, head out into Eyjafjord in search of humpback whales, minke whales, harbor porpoises, and dolphins. Sightings are almost guaranteed in summer.

**Afternoon:**Warm up this afternoon with a uniquely Icelandic form of relaxation at the Beer Spa. Step into a hoppy bath of young beer and live beer yeast to help ease sore muscles and cleanse the skin. Each tub has its own tap of cold beer as well, so you can imbibe as you soak. 

**Night:**Polish off your first day in Akureyri by treating your tastebuds to some local flavors on a guided food tour around town. A local foodie will lead the way as you hop from one place to the next, sampling local specialties such as lamb, seafood, traditional Icelandic bread, and the country’s favorite spirit, Brennivín.

Day 2: Diamond Circle

**Morning:**Akureyri makes the perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of Iceland’s Diamond Circle. Spend today on a guided tour of this route, starting with a morning visit to two of the country’s most famous waterfalls, Godafoss and Dettifoss. Don’t forget your camera, as both are spectacular.

**Afternoon:**Continue your journey along the Diamond Circle to Iceland’s fourth-largest lake, the volcanic Lake Myvatn. This geothermically active region is known for its craters and lava formations, as well as an abundance of birdlife (15 species of ducks live here). If time permits, spend some time soaking in the Myvatn nature baths. 

**Night:**You’re in one of the best areas of Iceland to see the northern lights, so take this evening to head out in search of the natural phenomenon. Choose between a 4WD tour and a nighttime cruise to escape the light pollution of town, and keep warm with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and featuring dark night skies, Akureyri makes a prime base for catching the colorful Northern Lights in Iceland. Here’s how to get a chance at witnessing this elusive natural phenomenon on a winter tour from Akureyri.

When to Go

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are generally visible around Akureyri from September through April—when Iceland experiences its darkest and clearest night skies. Travelers often have to seek out the best viewing points (a tour guide can help with that), but the unbelievable display of dancing lights is well worth the effort. Keep in mind that Iceland can experience a few as five hours of daylight during this time of year and that the frozen winter nights are quite cold—be sure to bundle up.

Where to Go

Home to only 18,000 residents, Akureyri is large enough to offer stylish cafes and restaurants, friendly bars, and contemporary art galleries, yet small enough to offer a true taste of life in Iceland away from the capital city of Reykjavik. Northern Lights tours take you away from any light pollution in town and out into the north Iceland countryside for the best shot at catching the natural phenomenon.

How to Go

As you head out into the quiet wilderness, Northern Lights tours from Akureyri highlight Iceland’s natural beauty, soaring peaks, and clear lakes—the perfect backdrop for nature’s winter light show. Head out on a coach tour into the Icelandic countryside, choose boat cruise for a Northern Lights hunt, or tackle off-road routes on a 4x4 jeep safari, all with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

As the unofficial capital of the north, Akureyri is ideally situated for exploring the diverse landscapes of North Iceland, driving the scenic Diamond Circle tourist trail and cruising the vast Eyjafjörður Fjord. To help you get the most out of your trip, here are some ideas for how to spend 3 days in Akureyri.

Day 1: Take a walking tour

Akureyri’s small size makes it easy to get around on foot and there’s plenty to see and do in town. Check out landmarks like the Akureyrarkirkja church, built by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, and Einar Jónsson's sculpture The Outlaw, on route to the Lystigardur Botanic Garden, Iceland’s largest collection of plant and flower varieties. Pick up some souvenirs on Hafnarstræti, the town’s principal shopping street, then spend the afternoon visiting the city’s museums – the Akureyri Museum, the Akureyri Art Museum and the Iceland Aviation Museum are all worth a visit. 

Day 2: Tour the Diamond Circle

North Iceland’s main sightseeing trail is nicknamed the Diamond Circle, a 260-kilometer loop between Húsavík and Lake Mývatn, and you could spend several days discovering the scenic Tjörnes peninsula and the vast Vatnajökull National Park along the way. If you’re pushed for time, a day tour is still enough to take in highlights like the mud pools of Hverir, the ice cave of Lofthellir and Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, finishing with a dip in the famous Mývatn thermal baths. 

Day 3: Explore the fjord

For the best views of Akureyri and the Eyjafjörður fjord, take a hike up the Súlur Mountain, overlooking the town, or hire a car and enjoy a scenic drive along the fjord. The northern waterfront towns of Dalvík, Ólafsfjörður and Siglufjörður make a charming alternative to Akureyri, where you can enjoy a whale-watching cruise along the coast or follow one of the mountain roads into the highlands for an off-the-beaten-track drive with spectacular views.